Supplements are becoming an important part of many adults and children’s regular daily routine. It’s important to eat an overall healthy and well-balanced diet to ensure you are getting all of the nutrients you need. But sometimes it doesn’t happen every day. Supplements can help bridge that gap between what you should be taking in and what you are.
Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic in Franklin, TN wants to see people embrace a healthy lifestyle. So he encourages you to consider what supplements you need to achieve overall health and contact his office if you have any questions.
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What Are Supplements?
Supplements can contain minerals, herbs (also known as botanicals) amino acids, and other ingredients. Simply put, supplements can help ensure you are getting the vital components your body needs to function properly. Also, they can come in many different forms such as tablets, capsules, soft gels, powders or liquids. It’s important to read the label thoroughly to understand the proper dosage for the form you are taking.
Let’s take a look at some popular supplements and their purposes:
1. Multivitamin
Multivitamins are a combination of different types of vitamins and minerals. There are many different types available on the market most for different age groups or purposes. You may see some that provide more energy or increase immunity. There are also multivitamins for pregnant women.
One of the most popular types are for certain age groups and genders since the recommended amount of nutrients people should get vary by age and gender. Multivitamins provide a single source to increase nutrient intake.
Sometimes people need more nutrients than what a multivitamin alone can provide, so taking additional supplements can help ensure you are getting full coverage on a specific nutrient.
2. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient for nerve health and healthy blood cells. It also helps prevent a type of anemia known as megaloblastic anemia that makes people tired and weak. It is most commonly found in animal products and is added to some fortified foods.
People who do not consume animal products (most types of vegetarians and vegans) are at risk of being deficient in this important vitamin. Most multivitamins have B12 in it, but if you don’t consume enough through food and your multivitamin, you may still need more.
This is an important nutrient to ensure you are getting enough of. Being deficient can eventually lead to neuropathy. Contact Dr. Hinz if you are concerned you aren’t getting enough B12.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is popular for people to take more of when they feel a cold coming on. It helps boost the immune system to protect the body from disease. It is also an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can be environmental such as cigarette smoke and pollution. It also helps the body to absorb iron from plant-based foods.
Vitamin C also helps the body to make collagen, which is a protein that helps wounds to heal. It has an overall effect on the body’s ability to heal, which makes it excellent for people seeking chiropractic care. Dr. Hinz can help you decide if Vitamin C is right for you.
4. Vitamin D
Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is essential for bone health due to its ability to help the body use calcium. It is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. People who live in areas that aren’t sunny every day like Franklin, TN, may benefit by adding vitamin D to their diet.
Vitamin D has been shown to help people with asthma, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Bone pain and muscle weakness can mean you are deficient in vitamin D, but there aren’t always noticeable symptoms.
5. Calcium
Calcium works with vitamin D to ensure bone health. But unfortunately, many Americans don’t get enough calcium through diet alone. It is important for both children and adults. It helps children reach their full potential adult height and helps protect adults from osteoporosis.
It’s important to talk to Dr. Hinz to ensure calcium supplements are right for you. Too much calcium and vitamin D have been linked to increased risk of kidney stones.
6. Fish Oil
Fish oil is a popular supplement for heart health, to aid kidney-related issues and help the blood system. It also helps the brain and nerve function due to the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. These are most commonly found in mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon and cod.
The body does not produce its own omega-3 fatty acids so people who do not eat foods containing that essential fatty acid, may benefit by taking a supplement.
7. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herbal remedy that has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help many different types of ailments including, anxiety, depression, asthma, dementia, and fatigue. Research shows it helps to increase blood flow which can help some blood pressure problems, but should not be used by people who have a bleeding disorder.
Despite its potential health benefits, it may cause an allergic reaction to people who have a sensitivity to urushiols, an oily resin in poison ivy, poison oak and sumac.
8. Green Tea
Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush and contains antioxidants and beneficial polyphenol, which can kill cancerous cells and stop them from growing. It is a powerhouse beverage that can help the heart, help to lower cholesterol, stroke risk, diabetes and overall weight loss.
It also has the amino acid L-theanine which can help people focus and reduce anxiety. It can contain caffeine so if you are sensitive to it, you may want to make sure you find the decaffeinated variety.
9. Iron
Iron is a mineral that helps to create energy from nutrients and is found in many different types of foods. It is an essential component of hemoglobin, which is a red blood cell protein that transfers oxygen from the lungs to the body.
People usually get enough iron since it is in a variety of foods, but women are more susceptible to not getting enough due to heavy menstrual bleeding or pregnancy. People with heart failure, cancer, and even frequent blood donors may also be iron deficient.
Safety With Supplements
Supplements do not require FDA approval the same way medications do so supplement companies are responsible for having evidence that their products are safe. They are also not permitted to be marketed for medical purposes, so they should not make claims that they can treat any ailment such as high cholesterol.
This is why it is important to talk to your healthcare providers and Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic to ensure you are only taking supplements you need. And always make sure to always tell your healthcare providers what medications and supplements you are taking. Call us today and we’ll schedule an appointment for you to discuss any problems you are experiencing.
Are you suffering from back pain, sports injury, or an accident? Did you know Chiropractic can possibly help treat these injuries?
Get in touch with Dr. Pete Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic today for a FREE consultation.
